< Back Angie Bailey Believe Abigale believes there is more to life than the dull, grey world she inhabits, by author Angie Bailey Thirteen-year-old Abigale Johnson was born into a family of Never-Believers. A family who did not believe in Christmas, or birthdays, or fun, adventure or magic. A family whose life was dull and grey. But Abigale was a little different from the Johnson’s. She had dreams of a better life, and a life a little less grey. So Abigale spent most her time tyring to avoid her family, particularly her brothers who were the meanest of the mean, and teased and taunted Abigale every single day. One day, on a dreaded train trip to visit her despicable and very grey Aunt Violet, Abigale’s life changes for ever. After a knock on the head, Abigale discovers an alternate Fae world of wonder and magic, fae-folk, and Believers. Whizzing along on the Faedora magic train, Abigale meets lots of new friends and discovers Christmas and other wonderful celebrations. At thirteen, Abigale has her first ever birthday party, full of love and laughter. But not everyone on the magical train is happy with Abigale’s arrival, and they plot a sinister spell to extract her from the train during the next pink moon, putting her life in mortal danger. As Abigale’s new friends try to save her from doom, they soon discover Abigale has some important royal connections, and even her despicable Aunt Violet is not quite who she seems. Believe is an imaginative and enchanting novel. Well written by Angie Bailey and full of wonder, mystery and magic, the book has fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers. The book is the first part of a series, and we can’t wait to read the next instalment in Abigale’s magical journey. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enchanting novel, with fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers.’ A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jessica James The Monarch Alliance Book blurb... At a historic resort hosting a world peace summit, a ruined journalist uncovers a century-old secret powerful enough to spark a global conspiracy—and deadly enough to silence her forever. A century-old secret. Hidden letters never meant to be found. And one journalist who may pay the price for uncovering the truth. High atop New York’s Shawangunk Ridge, the Mohonk Mountain House is a place of legend—a Victorian, castle-like resort rising above a mountain lake, where peace conferences once shaped history. For investigative reporter Danika Vaughn, it’s supposed to be a quiet retreat. Instead, it becomes the most dangerous assignment of her life. After exposing a powerful global organization, Danika’s credibility is shattered, her career in ruins, and her name quietly blacklisted. Seeking anonymity, she retreats to the historic hotel—only to discover it’s soon hosting a high-profile World Peace Summit. And the very people responsible for her downfall are on the guest list. Searching for distraction, Danika begins reading a bundle of old letters discovered in her great-grandmother’s attic. Within them, she uncovers a forbidden romance—and hints of a secret deliberately hidden to protect the future. What Noah, a Quaker carpenter at the hotel, helped conceal wasn’t just a love story, but something powerful enough to attract dangerous attention more than a century later. As elite guests arrive and security tightens, Danika realizes she isn’t the only one who knows the truth. Someone wants the past to stay buried—and they’ll do whatever it takes to ensure it does. Her only ally is Cole McCain, Mohonk’s head of security and a combat veteran carrying scars of his own. Together, they follow a trail of cryptic clues toward a global conspiracy that powerful forces are determined to keep hidden. In a place built for peace, a war for truth is about to begin. Blending real history with heart-pounding suspense, The Monarch Alliance is perfect for fans of historical mysteries, secret societies, and modern conspiracy thrillers. Follow the trail of clues in this page-turning mystery, where nothing is as it seems—and discover why what was hidden to protect the world may now be the only thing that can save it. Purchase here

< Back Gail Scoates Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How therapy dogs and faith healed my heart Author Gail Scoates shares her story of how therapy dogs gave her a sense of purpose following the death of her beloved younger sister. Dogs had always played a significant part in Gail’s life. Growing up, there were many dogs in the family, and Gail recalls happy memories and adventures with her sister, Karen, and their dogs. She describes how dogs provided a sense of comfort and security throughout her whole life. When Karen was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the age of thirty-eight, Gail witnessed the special love and bond between Karen and her two dogs, Preston and Tanner. When Karen sadly passed away, Gail’s dog, Tucker, provided comfort and helped her through the grieving process. Following Karen’s passing, Gail became involved with the PAWS ministry, a therapy dog program. Gail trained up Tucker as a therapy dog, and together they visited a residential home for children with emotional and behavioural challenges, providing them with an opportunity to play and have fun, while learning how to interact with a dog safely. When Tucker passed away, Gail adopted a rescue dog, Max, and also trained him up as a therapy dog. Through many dog therapy visits, and observing the positive impact on children, Gail was able to find a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Later, Gail set up her own dog therapy program, named Karing Partners in memory of her sister. She was successful in setting up a program in a hospital and recruited other volunteer handlers and their dogs. With Max, and a subsequent dog, Sadie, the program made a significant difference to the lives of many patients and their families, hospital visitors, and health care staff. Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How therapy dogs and faith healed my heart is a beautiful memoir by author Gail Scoates. Gail shares her story of how dogs supported her through many difficult periods of her life, including the death of her younger sister, and how therapy dogs have changed the lives of many others. This is a powerful story that not only shows the special bond between humans and dogs, but how dogs can help support, heal and rehabilitate people. A ‘ Paws for Reflection’ section at the end of each chapter, provides the reader with an opportunity for personal reflection. Gail’s commitment and dedication to dog therapy work is remarkable and her story is inspiring. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and inspiring memoir, by an inspirational woman. Purchase here

< Back J Paul Rieger Jr The Big Comb Over A wild satirical comedy about one extended Baltimore family. It’s 2050 and forty-something Robbie is attempting another DNA test, following several botched results. He is keen to learn more about his ancestry after joining a book circle and learning more about his friends lineage. While contemplating his odd DNA results, Robbie reflects on his life and precious memories of his childhood spent with his brother, cousins, and uncles. He remembers deep, spiritual conversations with his late uncle, Tim Elders (Tim, Tim). Tim had a long history of drug abuse and mental health issues, and Robbie’s parents discouraged contact between them. Robbie recalls happy memories of Tim, who shared extraordinary stories of their long family history. Tim said he could trace the family tree back to biblical times, and claimed the family had special superpowers to help and heal others. Robbie thinks about his strange DNA results and remembers a time when he saved a girl from drowning, even though he could not swim himself. He wonders whether Tim’s stories were in fact true all along. As Robbie further ponders his life, he remembers a particularly special trip with his uncles and nephews to London, when his Uncle Stefan married a distant member of the British royal family. As the men and boys explored the sights and sounds of London, they found themselves in a few sticky situations with the police, radical environmental groups, and neo-Nazi gangs. The Big Comb Over is a satirical comedy by author J. P. Rieger about a Baltimore family, and the special bond between brothers, uncles, cousins, and nephews. Spanning multiple timelines and incorporating multiple perspectives, the book takes readers on a hilarious journey through the lives of one extended family. During one overseas trip, the family stumble through a series of misadventures, whereby readers will simultaneously scratch their heads and laugh-out-loud uncontrollably. If you are in the mood for a laugh-out-loud comedy that defies reason and revels in ridiculousness, this book is for you! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A hilarious satirical comedy about the special bond between brothers, uncles, cousins, and nephews, and their many misadventures. Purchase here

< Back Nicolas Chaillan Replacement: The AI Revolution Isn't Coming for Your Job. It Already Took It. Book blurb... What happens when artificial intelligence doesn't just change work but eliminates it? Not someday. Now. Nicolas Chaillan served as the first Chief Software Officer of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. He watched the shift happen inside the Pentagon-then built it himself, running thirteen AI agents for roughly $200 a day to replace work that once required a full team. Replacement is a firsthand account from someone who built the systems, saw the disruption coming, and is now sounding the alarm. This is not a warning about the future. It's a dispatch from the present. And a survival plan for your family. Purchase here

< Back Reese Trapped A coming-of-age story about four diverse young women who find friendship in college. Four young women meet during their freshman year at college, Naomi, Arnya, Stephanie, and Jasmine. Brought together to complete a group assignment, the women develop a friendship that spans many years. Naomi is the only child in a well-to-do family of overachievers and her family have high expectations of her. She has lived a privileged and protected life but suffers from anxiety in social situations. Arnya is an only child, with a large extended family. She is grieving the loss of her mother, who died during high school. Arnya is determined to fulfil her dreams to make her mother proud. Stephanie was brought up by her church fairing grandmother, after her mother abandoned her when she was six years old. Her grandmother ruled with tough love and taught her how to be strong and resilient. Jasmine grew up in the foster care system and literally talked her way into college with a debating scholarship. She has relied on no-one and has had to hustle for everything in life. Despite their different personalities and upbringings, the women share many things in common and develop a close bond. The novel follows their journey through college, but as college comes to an end, each woman must find their own path in life. Trapped by author Reese is a heartfelt and relatable coming-of-age novel, about four diverse young women who find friendship in college. With romance, heartache, and lots (and lots!) of drama, this book captures the true essence of friendship. The novel is written from the point of view of each of the four characters, which helps the reader develop a deep understanding of, and empathy with, each character. The book took me back to my own college experiences, and the many wonderful friendships I developed along the way. Beautifully written, with rich and authentic dialogue, full of wonderful New Orleans sayings and slang, this novel was an absolute joy to read. Readers who enjoy character-led fiction and women’s fiction will enjoy this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt and relatable exploration of the friendships that blossom during college. Purchase here

< Back Frederick Douglass Reynolds Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement An intimate memoir by author and retired Compton police officer, Frederick Reynolds. Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement is an inspiring and deeply moving memoir by author and retired police officer, Frederick Reynolds. Frederick discusses his turbulent childhood growing up in Detroit, with an abusive mother and an alcoholic father; and his misspent youth and association with street gangs, which resulted him spending time in a juvenile detention centre. Frederick joined the US Marine Corp in 1980, for a fresh start and to escape his life in Detroit. In 1985, he became a police officer in the Compton Police Department, one of only five Black graduates. Frederick discusses some of the cases he worked on during his time with the Compton Police Department, including murder, gang violence, and drug-dealing. He also discusses wider issues of political corruption, systemic racism, and how he struggled to overcome his own long-standing biases. Frederick describes the demanding nature of his work, and the emotional and physical trauma he experienced in the line of duty, including the murder of fellow police officers, and even an attempt on his own life. Frederick reflects on recent cases of police brutality, racism, and malpractice, but also highlights the work of hard-working police officers who risk their lives every day to make a difference within their communities. Frederick retired in 2017 with over seventy-five commendations. This is a powerful and emotional memoir by Frederick Reynolds, highlighting his struggle for survival as a Black man growing up in the US, and as a Black police officer on the streets of Compton. Frederick’s writing is raw, gritty, and authentic. He masterfully captures the tension of policing in one of the most dangerous cities in the US in an age of political correctness and Black Lives Matter. The book provides a fascinating insight into the history and politics of Compton, and shows how deeply rooted racism is in all parts of our society. An essential read for anyone interested in Black culture and history, policing and law enforcement, or racial inequality. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and emotional memoir, highlighting one man’s struggle for survival as a Black police officer on the streets of Compton. Purchase here

< Back Jessica Hamilton For Girls Who Become Women Book blurb... Jessica Alyse's For Girls who Become Women is her transparent heart on page; both bleeding and mending publicly to show women that it is possible to love others, and themselves again - after heartache. This work can be best described as a poetic journey through womanhood, the pain of love lost but most importantly the ability to recover and rediscover oneself after the dust settles. It unites readers and people through universal experiences - our loves, our disappointments, our growths and most importantly, our beautiful attempts at survival. Purchase here

< Back B.V. Glants Half Notes from Berlin A historical fiction novel about the beginning of the Nazi regime, by author B.V. Glants One hundred- and two-year-old Hans, a half-Jew, half-German, veteran of the second world war, vowed never to speak about his life during the Third Reich. But, facing isolation during the Covid19 pandemic lockdown, he decided to tell his story of the beginning of the Nazi regime. Hans recalls his youth in 1933, shortly after Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany and new laws were passed to control the ‘undesirables’ of society. In 1933, fifteen-year-old Hans barely even notices the divisions in society until one day his teacher rages about the Jews and tears down the national flag of Germany, replacing it with a large swastika. Hans believes he and his family are true-blooded Germans, and are safe from persecution, as he witnesses increasing hostility towards the Jewish community and his Jewish classmates. When Hans overhears a conversation between his parents, he learns of his true Jewish heritage, as his maternal grandparents converted from Judaism to Christianity before his birth. As Hans tries to keep his Jewish ancestry secret, he takes a stand against the brutality of the regime, and befriends and falls in love with a local Jewish girl, Rebecca. But as tensions grow at home and at school, Hans is forced to abandon his relationship with Rebecca and is pressured, and eventually tricked, into joining the Hitler Youth. Half Notes from Berlin is a moving, historical fiction novel set in 1933 about a young boy coming of age during the beginning of the Nazi regime. Beautifully written by B.V. Glants, the story is told through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Hans, as he comes to terms with his Jewish heritage and navigates life in a frightening new world. Hans experiences a number of major events in a relatively short period of time: learning of his secret Jewish ancestry, his first kiss and first love, the decline of his family’s business, and his mother’s illness. All set against the backdrop of the violence and brutality of the Nazi regime. Glants describes Hans inner turmoil and despair respectfully and with compassion, as he grapples with his conscience whether to conform and protect himself and his family, or whether to stand up against the oppressive regime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and moving historical fiction novel about a young boy coming of age during the beginning of the Nazi regime. Purchase here

< Back Derrick Pledger Your Brain Weighs 500 Pounds: Change Your Mindset to Achieve Desired Outcomes Book blurb... In Your Brain Weighs 500 Pounds, Derrick Pledger provides an interactive and thought-provoking menu of one hundred lessons that will help you reach or acquire whatever it is you want, be it wealth, better relationships, career progression, or a healthier lifestyle. Purchase here

< Back Angela White Stopping Time: Life After War Another thrilling instalment in the Stopping Time series, from author Angela White Marc and the mission team have left the protection of the Safe Haven Refugee Camp, to stop the great reset following the nuclear war. Leaving behind Angela, his pregnant wife, and leader of the Safe Haven, to maintain law and order on the island. As news arrives that Marc and his team have been captured, imprisoned, and brutally tortured, Angela faces increasing pressure to rescue the mission team, from her son, Charlie, and other camp members. Tensions rise and a rage illness spreads throughout the camp, threatening the survival of the entire community. Before Angela will agree to send a team to rescue Marc, she must first be assured that her leadership team are ready to lead, and that the community will follow their orders. As Angela prepares her leaders, she embarks on a cunning plan to give the ‘normals’ the freedoms they desire. She hopes that with greater freedom, they will make bad decisions and turn on each other, which will destabilise the community. If her plan is successful, the ‘normals’ will understand the benefit of the controls that have been imposed on them, and will succumb to the leaders demands. But as Angela’s plan unfolds, an adored camp member, Samantha, is kidnapped and taken off the island. Angela and the Eagles must leave the island to find Samantha and bring the kidnapper to justice. Angela knows that Samantha is simply the bait, and that she is the real target, but puts herself in danger to rescue her friend. Ultimately, their mission to bring Samantha home will be a crucial test of any future attempt to rescue Marc. Will Angela find Samantha and bring her home? Will the kidnapper capture his real target? And how will the camp fare, when their esteemed and feared leader is away from the island? Stopping Time: Life After War, is a post-apocalyptic, science fiction novel, and the seventeenth book in the Stopping Time series from author Angela White. Life After War is an intense and high energy book with a gripping and thrilling plot. Angela has built a rich and imaginative post-apocalyptic world with strong, complex, well-developed characters. Angela’s writing is intricate, but easy to read. The plot is complex, fast paced, and full of action. With many twists and turns, the book will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This is a mammoth read, which will appeal to committed readers of this series and fans of this genre. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Life After War is an intense and high energy book with a gripping and thrilling plot. Purchase here

< Back Kristen Wilson Nobody Likes a Picky Eater: And Other Life Lessons From Nonna's Kitchen K. Renée’s memoir, Nobody Likes a Picky Eater: And Other Life Lessons from Nonna’s Kitchen, is a poignant and deeply personal exploration of family, food, love, grief and sacrifice. Through a series of vivid, heartfelt vignettes, Renée weaves together her Italian heritage, childhood memories, and the complex relationships that shaped her life. The narrative is both intimate and universal, inviting readers to reflect on their own familial bonds and the ways in which food serves as a metaphor for connection, care, and identity. Renée’s prose is evocative, painting scenes of her childhood with sensory detail that brings her memories to life. From the olive tree in her front yard to the strawberries she sliced for her father, each anecdote is filled with emotion and meaning. The recurring theme of food—whether it’s Nonna’s insistence on clean plates, the strawberries sold by farm workers, or the meals shared with loved ones—serves as a thread that ties the narrative together, symbolizing nourishment in both the physical and emotional sense. Renée does not shy away from the darker aspects of her family’s history, including abuse, loss, and the weight of unfulfilled dreams. Yet, she balances these moments with humor, warmth, and a deep sense of gratitude for the resilience of the women in her family. The stories of her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother reveal a legacy of strength and endurance, even in the face of hardship. Ultimately, Nobody Likes a Picky Eater is a celebration of life’s messy, imperfect beauty. It reminds us that the act of feeding—whether it’s a meal, a memory, or a moment of comfort—is an expression of love. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : Renée’s memoir is a heartfelt tribute to the power of food to connect us to our past, our loved ones, and ourselves. Purchase here